Red Wings' Maltby calls it quits

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Sports Network

Oct 12, 2010

, Last Updated: 8:47 PM ET

DETROIT - Detroit Red Wings forward Kirk Maltby officially retired from the National Hockey League on Tuesday after a 16-year career.

A four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings, Maltby served as a member of Detroit's "grind line," along with Kris Draper and Darren McCarty, designed to shut down the opponents' top scoring line.

"Being drafted in 1992, I was just kind of happy to be around and happy playing hockey," Maltby said. "I never would have thought that 18 years later, I'd be part of four Stanley Cups and have played over a thousand games. I feel truly privileged for what my career has brought me."

The 37-year-old totaled four goals and six points over 52 regular season games last year before his season was cut short in February by surgery on his arthritic shoulder. He did not play in the post-season for the Red Wings, who were knocked out in the Western Conference semifinals by San Jose.

Maltby agreed to a one-year, two-way contract in September, but despite playing well in the preseason did not earn a spot on the NHL roster and was sent to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. He decided not to report.

Maltby has scored 128 goals and 260 points in 1,072 regular season games over 16 seasons for the Wings and Edmonton Oilers -- the team that selected him in the third round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft -- and added 16 goals and 15 helpers in 169 career playoff games.

The Red Wings announced that Maltby will remain with the organization as a professional scout.

"I look forward to my future starting as a scout with the Wings and spending time with my family and watching my children grow," Maltby concluded.